The Documented Life Project … From Here to There

I am honored to be the artist featured over at the Documented Life Project this week. The theme for the month of September is Journaling with Photos, the art challenge this week was Photo Transfer, and the prompt was From Here to There. 

I haven't worked with transfers for quite some time,  so I found it easy to approach the project with beginners mind; it was interesting to create references as I made From Here to There  connections to what arose as I worked. That prompt touched into my conscious and subconscious, mingling the two with the heres and theres that beckoned to me.

And of course there were the unusual twists and unexpected turns along the way - exactly what I was hoping for, the the dance with the great mystery to create amazing "accidents" (like I believe in those!) that lead us in a brand spanking new direction. Like this…

 But I digress…

This is the journal I'll be working in.

 

The first thing I do is glue papers from my collage pile onto the pages, to reinforce the pages as well as adding dimensions of texture, color, history, and association to the under layers of the work. I find myself curious about my choices and engaged in being on this discovery.

I paint on some white gesso, darker in some areas and lighter in others as feels right. When it's thoroughly dry, I make marks with my Woody, a black fat stabilo pencil that comes in lots of colors. I find I go for black and brown usually, today black only. I smear and scribble .

 I intuitively chose some photos I printed out for transfers, a couple were of my face and 2 of one of my paintings in different stages. I printed the images onto Epson Glossy Photo Paper and also on JetPrintPhoto Paper, a clay-based photo paper. I got the JetPrint years ago, I don't even know if that brand is still around.  

I move the photos around and decide what will go where, giving some thought to what will be under the transfer and how the marks/patterns might influence the finished transfer.

I brush a generous amount of Golden soft gel (matte) onto top of a clay-based ink jet print of one of my paintings.

Then burnished the surface with a plastic hotel key card. I put a piece of acetate on top of pages to protect them from tearing.

The next transfer I tried was with the glossy photo paper. I don't think I left it long enough or ?? but for whatever unknown reason it didn't turn out. What I got when I pulled it up was parts of the substrate coming up onto the photograph, none of the ink from the photo stuck to the page. 

I really loved with the process did to the original glossy photo, the gel picking up the black marks and bits of paper in what seemed just the right places. I decided to glue it atop a piece of print from a painting. Voila.

 

I used the claybased prints for the remaining two transfers. Once I burnished the surfuce thoroughly (above step), I rubbed the surface of the paper  back with a damp cloth, carefully and slowly at first until I got a feel for how much pressure to exert without tearing it badly. The unexpected appearance of little tears and holes is also what makes the transfer process unpredictable and spontaneous, both attributes I like in a technique.

I love the way the black scribbling with the Woody stabilo pencil works with the collage paper to give depth and layers under the transfer.

Once I finished the transfers, I brushed on a coat of clear gesso; the surface then has some grit and is easy to work on with  with dry media. I wanted to incorporate colored pencils and pastels rather than heavy paint layers to keep that surreal feel.

Here is the progression…

The finished spread.

I thoroughly enjoyed this project, if you decide to experiment with the process, I'd love if you posted a link to your work here so we can check it out!

 

Comments

[Mary W]

WOW I bet you were so happy to see this come together. Creating something special always gives back a creative "high" and adds a sprinkling of self confidence. Your then and now really comes through and you must be very proud of this spread. I used to smear a little glue stick to the front of something I wanted to add to my page, stick it on the yellow pages, wait a bit, then carefully pull it up so get that cool graphic stuck on top for another layer. I save old phone books for my gluing and for this strange transfer technique and love how it turns out. So glad your were a guest and now I get to go back and see what else you have done - always nice to find a new site to get lost in.

[Lorraine Bell]

Hi Katie! Thanks so much for being our Featured Artist this week, it has been an honor! And wow, just wow! There is nothing better than an "accident" that turns out like that! Your page is gorgeous, I love all of the pieces that you chose and it came together beautifully! Thanks for inspiring us!

[Lori B]

I love your work Katie. I am also currently taking your class with Brave Girl University. What a nice surprise to see you as a guest this week with DLP. I have learned so much from you. Thank you for all you do.

[Bev Langby]

I've been a fan forever since I took your online class and I love your happy accidents ,thanks Katie...

[Gabriele]

brilliant!!

[Sharon Tomlinson]

What a treat! Thanks for showing. I was mesmerized and left wanting more.
xo

[peggy gatto]

Oh my, this is just grand!!!

[Joi@RR]

Oh my gracious Katie - this is FABULOUS. And wow - thank you sooooooooooooo much for such an INCREDIBLE tutorial. What an honor. j.

[Rae]

This whole process was just so amazing Katie! I am so honored you were able to join us as a Featured Artist this year! Thank you for sharing such an amazing and generous tutorial with us all! I look forward to seeing what you do next!
Happy Creating!

[Roben-Marie Smith]

Thanks so much for your contribution, Katie! I have been a fan for so long and am always inspired by your work. We are thrilled that you are one of our DLP Featured Artists and appreciate you very much!

[Irene]

Oh, Katie, I love your journal. I am looking forward to seeing you ...and your journal (?) this weekend. Safe travels xoxo

[peggy gatto]

Guess who has the complete set of Childcraft? Perhaps I should follow your journey! Thanks for the inspiration!
Merry Christmas!!!